Glossary of Terms

Types of Academic Documents

• Degree: Document indicating that a credential (bachelor, master, or Ph.D.) has been awarded to an individual. Other names for a degree include diploma, convocation certificate, or degree certificate. 
  
  
• Transcript: Document showing all courses taken and grades obtained by the student. Other names for a transcript include marksheets or statement of marks. 

Admission Process

• Accreditation: The goal of accreditation is to ensure that higher education institutions meet acceptable quality levels (U.S. Department of Education). This is achieved through periodic reviews of an institution's academics, staffing, finances, and infrastructure. Accreditation is a voluntary process. 
  
  
• Credential Evaluation: The review of academic documents to determine degree equivalency, calculate a grade point average (GPA), ensure that the awarding institution holds the proper accreditation and ensure document authenticity. All admitted applicants go through a credential evaluation. 
  
  
• Degree Equivalency: The University System of Georgia requires all admitted graduate applicants to hold a bachelor's degree, its equivalent, or higher. Georgia Tech evaluates degree equivalency based on years of education. A U.S. four-year bachelor's degree requires 16 years of education. International applicants must hold a degree equivalent to at least 16 years of education. 
  
  
• English Translation: If an applicant attended post-secondary studies in a non-English speaking country or institution, they must provide an English translation of their documents. If the institution does not offer translations, they should use a translation service and request a word-for-word translation. 
  
  
• Lawful Presence Verification: The University System of Georgia requires all admitted applicants residing in the U.S. to verify their lawful presence. The Office of Graduate Education completes this verification after the credential evaluation process. More information is available on our website.
  
  
• Native Language Documents: Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must provide academic documents in the native language along with the English translation (see: English Translation in glossary). 
  
  
• Official Documents: A document is considered official when it has been issued by an institution's Academic Registrar's Office, Examinations Office, or equivalent. Typically, this means the transcript is signed and, if applicable, stamped by an authorized representative (controller of examination, secretary, registrar, dean).
  • At the time of application, it is acceptable for an applicant to upload a copy of an official document.
  • The Office of Graduate Education does not accept a degree audit, web transcript, advisor transcript, or a student information system transcript at any point in the admission process. Applicants who upload  one of these documents will be put on hold until the acceptable documents are received. 
    
    • Electronic Submission (preferred)
      • Document emailed by the issuing institution's authorized representative to transcripts@grad.gatech.edu. We must be able to verify the Sender's email address. 
    • Mail Submission
      • Official hard-copy transcripts can be mailed to the Office of Graduate Education. Hard-copy transcripts must be in their original, unopened school sealed envelope. 
    • In-Person Submission
      • Newly admitted students can hand-deliver their official documents in their original, unopened school sealed envelops to the Office of Graduate Education (308 Savant Building).